Edwards AFB News

Colonel Dunlop assumes command of 412th TW

  • Published
  • By Edwards AFB Public Affairs
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  On a warm Edward's high desert morning Col. Dawn M. Dunlop assumed command of the 412th Test Wing during a change of command ceremony at Edwards.

Maj. Gen. David Eichhorn, Air Force Flight Test Center commander, officiated the ceremony where Col. Dunlop assumed command from Brig. Gen. William J. Thornton.

"An exceptional unit requires an exceptional leader; fortunately, we have another one waiting to take over," said General Eichhorn. "She's ready to take over."

Colonel Dunlop, former 412th TW vice commander, has served nearly seven years at Edwards AFB following her graduation from the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School in June 1998. Her test flying experience includes assignments in the F-15 and developmental testing of the F-22 Raptor while serving as the operations officer for the F-22 Combined Test Force.

After receiving the 412th TW guidon from Maj. Gen. Eichhorn, the new commander spoke to more than 400 members of the Flight Test Nation team about the important legacy of the Air Force's premiere test wing.

"I can't imagine a more inspiring setting to change command; standing under our great American flag and surrounded by aircraft and Airmen that represent the strength of our nation," said Colonel Dunlop. "Here at Edwards, we develop technology and unproven concepts into the mission-ready capabilities that have long made our Air Force the envy of Air Forces around the world.  It's a mission I am incredibly proud to be a part of."

"What we do at Edwards equips our Air Force and enables the joint fight. What we do at Edwards secures our nation and our future. What we do at Edwards can only be done because of you, the incredible engineers, maintainers, program managers, test pilots and navigators, and all the supporting organizations from the 95th Air Base Wing and the Test Wing that make that mission possible," added Colonel Dunlop. "It is the intersection of these disciplines that first-flights are achieved and the war fighter's needs are met."

As commander Colonel Dunlop is responsible for the airframes, propulsion systems, avionics, and electronic warfare development, test, and evaluation of the most diverse collection of manned and unmanned aerospace systems collocated at one base. She also oversees specialized flight test training at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and operation of all Edwards test facilities and ranges. The wing supplies decision-quality data, test results and recommendations that directly influence major aerospace acquisition programs.

During the ceremony General Thornton received the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The Thorntons are headed to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, where he will serve as director of Air, Space, and Information Operations for Air Force Material Command.